Guinea has cancelled 129 mineral exploration permits in a sweeping move to regain control over its vast natural resources and ensure they are being actively developed.
The decision comes as part of a broader strategy by the military-led government to clean up the country’s mining sector and remove dormant or unused assets.
The cancellations were announced late Monday in an official government statement. The permits in question had been inactive for some time, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Mines who spoke anonymously. Authorities say the goal is to open up space for investors who are ready to develop the resources and contribute to the country’s economy.
The government has recently made changes to how mining permits are managed, introducing a digital system to track activity more efficiently. This is expected to reduce corruption and improve transparency in a sector that plays a major role in Guinea’s economy.
The majority of the revoked permits were linked to gold exploration, and the government has already reabsorbed the associated land and rights. Although the names of affected foreign investors have not been fully disclosed, it appears that the focus has so far been on smaller or inactive operations rather than large-scale producers.
This move follows a similar step earlier this month, when Guinea also cancelled 51 mining licenses involving resources like bauxite, iron, diamonds, and graphite. Some of those cancellations included concessions held by notable players such as Kebo Energy SA and Emirates Global Aluminium.
Guinea is home to the world’s largest reserves of bauxite, a key raw material in aluminium production. It is also a major supplier to countries including China, making its mining policy especially important on the global stage. The government’s latest actions reflect a desire to ensure that these resources are being properly developed and not left idle.
Guinea’s efforts reflect a broader trend in the region. In countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, other military-led governments are also moving to tighten oversight of mining operations, with a focus on increasing national control and revenues. These actions signal a growing shift in West Africa, where governments are aiming to maximise benefits from resource-rich lands while reducing dependency on foreign operators who fail to meet development obligations.
As Guinea continues to restructure its mining framework, investors are likely to face stricter conditions and expectations. For the government, this is a chance to reshape the future of its most valuable industries and ensure they deliver more consistent returns for the country and its people.